CBTI denounces payment delays, low fees, and “unsustainable” working conditions

Belgium’s judicial translators and interpreters are joining growing protests across the country’s justice sector, calling for urgent reforms to pay structures, working conditions, and infrastructure. The Belgian Chamber of Translators and Interpreters (CBTI/BKVT) issued a statement on June 17 supporting ongoing demands from magistrates and public prosecutors.

The protest highlights how deep-rooted systemic issues—long payment delays, outdated fee schedules, and worsening working environments—are putting pressure on legal professionals across all levels of the justice system.

Rates still lag behind the private sector

CBTI’s statement emphasized that the country’s official translation and interpreting rates, updated in January 2025, remain insufficient to cover the demands of the job. Interpreters are often called upon during nights, weekends, and urgent hearings—yet their fees do not reflect the intensity or irregularity of the work.

“Sworn translators and interpreters are demanding not only reliable and prompt payments but also a significant increase in their fee schedules,” the chamber noted. Despite past promises from the Ministry of Justice, many court linguists are still waiting to be paid for assignments dating back several months.

Mounting frustration and walkouts

This is not the first time judicial linguists have taken action. In October 2024, a spontaneous interpreter walkout caused delays during a high-profile criminal trial. More recently, protests in Ghent prompted government officials to pledge back payments, but little has changed systemically.

CBTI argues that the situation is deteriorating, not improving. The ongoing lack of investment is driving professionals away from the sector, leading to interpreter shortages and, in some cases, postponed hearings or mistrials.

Implications for judicial processes

The issue goes beyond wages. Court interpreters warn that the quality of justice itself is being undermined. A lack of qualified linguistic support has led to procedural errors, delayed verdicts, and even acquittals due to the absence of proper interpretation.

Public prosecutors have echoed these concerns in an open letter, criticizing severe staff shortages and dangerous conditions in judicial buildings. In Brussels, the Justice Palace has been cited as emblematic of the problem, plagued by mold, structural decay, and vermin.

“How will we continue to find enough police officers, translators, interpreters, legal experts, or recovery services?” the letter asked.

A multilingual system under strain

Belgium’s courts operate in Dutch, French, and German, and routinely require interpretation into dozens of other languages. Despite this, interpreters say they feel undervalued and excluded from policy discussions.

CBTI is calling on the government to engage directly with language professionals to develop fairer, more sustainable practices.

Until then, Belgium’s multilingual justice system remains on uncertain footing—undermined by the very conditions meant to uphold it.